The San Antonio Light

GIDEONS IN CONVENTION
THE CHRISTIAN TRAVELING MEN HOLD ANNUAL SESSION TO-DAY IN TOLEDO, OHIO.
Toledo, O., July 26—One of the most representative bodies of men ever gathered in Toledo is that in attendance at the annual convention of the Gideons, an organization of Christian commercial traveling men, which opened today. That the "rounder" and the "sport" is no longer the type of "drummer" is effectively known by the present assemblage of Christian gentlemen from all parts of the United States and Canada. A meeting of the executive committee, presided over by President Charles M. Smith, of Detroit, was held this morning, and much important business affecting the conduct of the organization transacted A devotional and song service was held this afternoon. The convention will be formally opened at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning, when the election of officers will take place, Religious services Sunday will bring the meeting to a close.
The Gideons came into being July 1, 1899, the city of conception being Janesville, Wis., where three traveling men met and organized what they named the Gideon society. At this time officers were "elected" by the three charter members, S. E. Hill of Beloit, Wis., being honored with the presidency. W. J. Knight was made vice president and John H. Nicholson of Janesville secretary and treasurer Each of these men are still living and members of the organization but at its inception they little thought that the society would in eight years become national in extent. The present membership is 6500
The object of the society, as set forth in the constitution, is as follows: "To recognize Christian traveling men with cordial fellowship, and encourage one another in the Master's work—to improve every opportunity we may have for the betterment of the lives of the traveling men, business men and others, with whom we come in contact daily: scattering seeds all along the pathway of life for Christ.'
According to Secretary F. A. Gargill, of Chicago, the society has been able to pay all its obligations during the last year and goes into the present convention free of all debt.